Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by RATP to supply a new Train Operation Automation System for Paris Metro Line 13. This decision follows the 2022 move by Île-de-France Mobilités to automate the line, aiming to increase transport capacity and service reliability while optimizing energy use.
The contract includes delivering the automation system, establishing a new operations control center, and equipping 66 trains. There is also an option for Siemens Mobility to provide maintenance services for up to 30 years. The company will implement its CBTC GoA4 technology, which enables fully automated and driverless train operations.
Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure, stated: “Our selection for the Line 13 automation project reflects RATP´scontinued trust in our expertise. We are proud to support RATP in theirambition to deliver decarbonized, high-performance, and comfortable transportsolutions that boost rail attractiveness and contribute to the fight againstclimate change. Together, we’re shaping the future of mobility in Paris.” He added: “We’ve hadthe privilege of contributing to several successful projects in Paris over theyears. With Line 14, we achieved a world first by upgrading an existingdriverless system to our advanced CBTC GoA4 technology while simultaneouslyextending automation to new sections of the line. This breakthrough enablesLine 14 to serve up to one million passengers daily at 85-second intervals. WithLine 13, we’re building on this expertise, upgrading one of Paris busiest linesto operate fully automatically.”
Modernization efforts on Line 13 will begin with new rolling stock introduced in 2027 before moving forward with advanced automation upgrades. The current GoA2 system—where drivers handle doors and safety functions but acceleration and braking are automatic—will be replaced with a fully automated GoA4 system. The scope includes training staff and renovating the Operations Control Center.
The upgrade is expected to improve passenger experience through increased capacity from shorter train intervals and dynamic frequency adjustments based on demand. Service reliability and energy efficiency will also be enhanced. Passengers will receive real-time information onboard during travel.
Siemens Mobility’s global center of excellence for rail automation and cybersecurity in Châtillon will lead the project’s design and development efforts with more than 500 engineers involved.
Paris Metro Line 13 stretches over 24 kilometers with 32 stations connecting Châtillon-Montrouge in the southwest to Saint-Denis-Université and Les Courtilles in the north. It serves major hubs such as Saint-Lazare and Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, transporting more than half a million passengers each day.
